Stuart Hyatt

Memorial services will be held in Bellingham Washington, and Baltimore, Maryland. Dates to be determined.

At 84, Stuart Hyatt of Bellingham, Washington, scored the buzzer-beating final goal during his last game of an illustrious hockey career as he passed away quietly with family on November 20, 2017. He triumphantly battled prostate cancer for over 20 years.

Stu (no middle name) Hyatt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend was born July 25, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland. When he asked his mom why he had no middle name, she told him his family was too poor to afford middle names, and he believed that for years.

Stu graduated from Polytechnic Institute in 1951. He continued his studies at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, and then went on to receive his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1960. His pursuit of a degree was interrupted by the draft and a stint in the United States Army, where he served as a PFC, in the US and Korea.

Stu settled into a career as an Engineer with Westinghouse. In his spare time, he was the owner/operator of Chesapeake Sporting Goods on Maryland Avenue, in Baltimore City, doing his best to promote his first true love, ice hockey, in his hometown. He retired after 31 years from Westinghouse, sold the store, and moved to Washington State to begin the next chapter of his life with his second wife, and to play more ice hockey.

Stu was a friendly guy. He would talk to everyone he came in contact with, finding something in common within mere moments, which resulted in many long-lasting friendships. Other than family, friends, and pets, Stu loved two things. First and foremost was hockey. Given the chance, he would play 365 days a year. He played across the US and Canada, as well as in Japan, until stepping off the ice at the ripe old age of 83. Secondly, Stu loved telling stories. All those who knew him heard countless stories, sometimes more than once, as he chuckled while telling each one of them.

Playing pranks was also part of Stu’s ever-present sense of humor. Oddly enough, as the stories were told, he never got caught - the other guy did!

Stu is preceded in death by his parents Sylvia Potts Hyatt and Albert Hyatt, brother Howard Hyatt, first wife Doris Feldman Hyatt, and second wife Carolyn Mergardt Hyatt.

Guestbook Entries

I knew Stu for numerous years on the Internet as we battled and beat prostate cancer — before realizing that we both lived in Bellingham. While I know of him as a friend and mentor, due to my own travels I regret never meeting face to face — something I regret.

I share my sympathies with others, as his long struggle still shows us the way. ~~jim

I met Stu online through a mutual friend, Louise, and valued his friendship for a number of years. Thank you for posting the obituary online, as it gave me a bit more detail about Stu and his life and family. He will be missed.

As a kid, all I ever wanted to do was to play ice hockey. Problem is I was a girl and girls just didn't play ice hockey. With much pleading and begging, I was given a shot. Luckily, my dad worked with Stu and so he outfitted me from head to toe in equipment. In a short time it proved that I was hooked and good enough to play boys hockey so Stu to the rescue again as he outfitted me in the best equipment out there. Every piece of gear I ever used came from Stu's store. Fast forward many many years later to 2010...I had the opportunity to visit some friends in Bellingham and got to see Stu again. Not only did I get to visit with Stu and his wife, but I got to play hockey with him - what an awesome opportunity that was. A great honor to share in his passion. I am 54, still play and my goal is to play as long as Stu did. Stu is my hero and his spirit will live on forever! He touched many lives on and off the ice!

Stu and I had a few email conversations about various aspects of dealing with prostate cancer over the years but we never met.
He was always cheerful and positive no matter the particular topic being discussed.
I will miss Stu as I am sure many other prostate cancer patients will.
My condolences to all his family.

I met Stu through our online prostate group. He helped with questions I had for Elgie and helped me feel at ease. We both traveled the same streets in Baltimore as we both started out there.... and our love for raccoons. We talked of his love for Hockey and the tournament's he played in every year, Music, Arizona, Raccoons and how to draw them in, His move West, His Children, 1st, 2nd Wives, Sheila and of course Jack. My most sincere sympathy for each of you. Stu was a Grande Gent! He is truly missed.
Sincerely,
Jackie

Thanks for your kind words. I was reading this the other day and then I came across a couple of pictures of my dad with a female hockey player. I wasn’t sure if that was you. I could send the pics to you after I scan them in so you can see if it is you. Let me know if you want to see them. If so, send me your email address.

I have never replied to a message here so not 100% sure if you can see my email address. So, here it is: hyatt.tracey@yahoo.com